Ensembl Genomes: extending Ensembl across the taxonomic space.

Ensembl Genomes (http://www.ensemblgenomes.org) is a new portal offering integrated access to genome-scale data from non-vertebrate species of scientific interest, developed using the Ensembl genome annotation and visualisation platform. Ensembl Genomes consists of five sub-portals (for bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and invertebrate metazoa) designed to complement the availability of vertebrate genomes in Ensembl. Many of the databases supporting the portal have been built in close collaboration with the scientific community, which we consider as essential for maintaining the accuracy and usefulness of the resource. A common set of user interfaces (which include a graphical genome browser, FTP, BLAST search, a query optimised data warehouse, programmatic access, and a Perl API) is provided for all domains. Data types incorporated include annotation of (protein and non-protein coding) genes, cross references to external resources, and high throughput experimental data (e.g. data from large scale studies of gene expression and polymorphism visualised in their genomic context). Additionally, extensive comparative analysis has been performed, both within defined clades and across the wider taxonomy, and sequence alignments and gene trees resulting from this can be accessed through the site.

Quantification of wound oedema after dermatological surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative wound oedema causing increased suture tension is thought to be a possible cause of scars known as suture marks. Quantification of such oedema has not previously been reported in the literature. Measures to accommodate wound oedema may include the adoption of alternative suture techniques and the use of more elastic suture materials. OBJECTIVES: To quantify wound expansion after skin surgery and to identify any contributory factors, and to determine the ability of eight commonly used skin suture materials to stretch under increasing tension. METHODS: Forty consecutive adult patients attending a dermatology department for routine skin surgery in December 2002 were recruited. Details including body site, nature of the lesion excised and dimensions of the open wound were recorded. The distance between entry and exit points of an untied suture at the time of skin surgery was measured and then repeated 24 h postoperatively. The ability of eight different suture materials to stretch when an increasing force was applied was measured by hanging standard weights from the sutures and measuring the suture length for each force applied. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients completed the study. All wounds expanded postoperatively, with a mean lateral expansion of 1.0 mm. There was a strong association between the width of the unsutured wound after excision and the subsequent wound expansion. Commonly used sutures in skin surgery were found to be relatively inelastic at forces under 0.2 kg. The monofilament Novofil (Davis & Geck, Danbury, CT, U.S.A.) exhibited the greatest degree of stretch of those tested. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable oedema in the first 24 h after skin surgery, particularly with wider excisions. This needs to be considered when choosing suturing materials and techniques to avoid excessive suture tension.

Proteome Analysis Database: online application of InterPro and CluSTr for the functional classification of proteins in whole genomes.

The SWISS-PROT group at EBI has developed the Proteome Analysis Database utilising existing resources and providing comparative analysis of the predicted protein coding sequences of the complete genomes of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes (http://www.ebi.ac. uk/proteome/). The two main projects used, InterPro and CluSTr, give a new perspective on families, domains and sites and cover 31-67% (InterPro statistics) of the proteins from each of the complete genomes. CluSTr covers the three complete eukaryotic genomes and the incomplete human genome data. The Proteome Analysis Database is accompanied by a program that has been designed to carry out InterPro proteome comparisons for any one proteome against any other one or more of the proteomes in the database.

Towards an open grapevine information system.

Viticulture, like other fields of agriculture, is currently facing important challenges that will be addressed only through sustained, dedicated and coordinated research. Although the methods used in biology have evolved tremendously in recent years and now involve the routine production of large data sets of varied nature, in many domains of study, including grapevine research, there is a need to improve the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (FAIR-ness) of these data. Considering the heterogeneous nature of the data produced, the transnational nature of the scientific community and the experience gained elsewhere, we have formed an open working group, in the framework of the International Grapevine Genome Program (www.vitaceae.org), to construct a coordinated federation of information systems holding grapevine data distributed around the world, providing an integrated set of interfaces supporting advanced data modeling, rich semantic integration and the next generation of data mining tools. To achieve this goal, it will be critical to develop, implement and adopt appropriate standards for data annotation and formatting. The development of this system, the GrapeIS, linking genotypes to phenotypes, and scientific research to agronomical and oeneological data, should provide new insights into grape biology, and allow the development of new varieties to meet the challenges of biotic and abiotic stress, environmental change, and consumer demand.

Cyclical mastopathy: an evaluation of methods of assessment.

We have evaluated three methods of assessing patients with cyclical breast symptoms (cyclical mastopathy--CM). One method, a screening questionnaire, was used to identify women with CM, and two others, a symptom severity questionnaire and a daily diary, were used prospectively to record the severity of symptoms in relation to the menstrual cycle. The screening questionnaire was assessed for test-retest reliability and for agreement between the recalled severity of symptoms and those recorded during prospective measurement. The symptom severity questionnaire and diary were assessed by examining their ability to discriminate between pre- and postmenstrual phases of the menstrual cycle, differences in symptom severity at these times being the cardinal feature of CM. Test-retest reliability of premenstrual symptoms by the screening questionnaire gave correlation coefficients over 0.70 for 9 of the 11 items assessed. The symptom severity questionnaire showed significant differences between pre- and post-menstrual scores for 8 of the 11 items assessed and the diary for each of the 2 items assessed. Comparison of symptom severity as recalled and as prospectively recorded showed only modest agreement. These results show that the instruments used to assess symptom severity performed satisfactorily but that the screening questionnaire used to identify women with CM, although reliable, correlated only moderately well with prospective measurement.

Integr8: enhanced inter-operability of European molecular biology databases.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing production of molecular biology data in the post-genomic era, and the proliferation of databases that store it, require the development of an integrative layer in database services to facilitate the synthesis of related information. The solution of this problem is made more difficult by the absence of universal identifiers for biological entities, and the breadth and variety of available data. METHODS: Integr8 was modelled using UML (Universal Modelling Language). Integr8 is being implemented as an n-tier system using a modern object-oriented programming language (Java). An object-relational mapping tool, OJB, is being used to specify the interface between the upper layers and an underlying relational database. RESULTS: The European Bioinformatics Institute is launching the Integr8 project. Integr8 will be an automatically populated database in which we will maintain stable identifiers for biological entities, describe their relationships with each other (in accordance with the central dogma of biology), and store equivalences between identified entities in the source databases. Only core data will be stored in Integr8, with web links to the source databases providing further information. CONCLUSIONS: Integr8 will provide the integrative layer of the next generation of bioinformatics services from the EBI. Web-based interfaces will be developed to offer gene-centric views of the integrated data, presenting (where known) the links between genome, proteome and phenotype.

Predictive value of staging investigations in patients with clinical stage I malignant melanoma.

We reviewed the charts of 393 consecutive patients referred to the Toronto-Bayview Regional Cancer Centre and the Ontario Cancer Institute between January 1, 1978, and December 31, 1982, with clinical stage I malignant melanoma to determine the predictive value of routine staging investigations. The investigations reviewed included physical examination, liver function tests, radionuclide liver-spleen and bone scans, chest x-ray, whole-lung tomograms, CT chest scans, CT brain scans, and bipedal lymphangiograms. The clinical stage of nine patients was changed, eight as a result of physical examination and one as a result of lymphangiogram. No other investigations detected metastatic melanoma at referral. We recommend that staging investigations for patients referred with clinical stage I malignant melanoma be restricted to a complete physical examination and a baseline chest x-ray for all patients.

Solasodine glycoalkaloids: a novel topical therapy for basal cell carcinoma. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of a 0.005% mixture of solasodine glycosides (Zycure) in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Design Double-blind, randomized, and vehicle-controlled, parallel group study. SETTING: Ten centers in the United Kingdom. Participants Male, n = 50; female, n = 44; age range, 32-95 years (Table 1). INTERVENTION: Ninety-four patients were randomized on a 2 : 1 ratio (n = 62, Zycure; n = 32, vehicle). Histologically confirmed lesions were treated double blinded, twice daily under occlusion with Zycure or vehicle for 8 weeks. Patients were reviewed fortnightly for adverse effects and overall response. Successfully treated patients were followed up at six-month intervals for a year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy endpoint was histologically confirmed clearance of the basal cell carcinoma (2-mm punch biopsy) at the end of 8-week treatment. RESULTS: Efficacy (intention-to-treat population) at 8 weeks was 66% (41/62) in the Zycure group, compared to 25% (8/32) in the vehicle group (P < 0.001; Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). Ninety percent (37/41) of the Zycure group completed follow-up at six-month intervals for 1 year, of whom 78% (29/37) had no recurrence. There were no major treatment-related adverse effects, although 10 patients in Zycure group did not complete the treatment protocol for various reasons. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the solasodine glycoside cream Zycure is a safe therapy for basal cell carcinoma, with a cure rate of 66% at 8 weeks and 78% at 1 year follow-up.

Tricho-dental syndrome: a disorder with a short hair cycle.

A family pedigree is described in which the propositus has tricho-dental syndrome. Evidence is presented that the short hair frequently observed in this condition is due to a short anagen phase of the hair cycle.

VARSPLIC: alternatively-spliced protein sequences derived from SWISS-PROT and TrEMBL.

UNLABELLED: The program varsplic.pl uses information present in the SWISS-PROT and TrEMBL databases to create new records for alternatively spliced isoforms. These new records can be used in similarity searches. AVAILABILITY: The program is available at ftp://ftp.ebi.ac.uk/pub/software/swissprot/, together with regularly updated output files. CONTACT: pkersey@ebi.ac.uk

Multiprofessional guidelines for the management of the patient with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

These guidelines for management of primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma present evidence based guidance for treatment, with identification of the strength of evidence available at the time of preparation of the guidelines, and a brief overview of epidemiological aspects, diagnosis and investigation. To reflect the collaborative process for the UK, this article is subject to dual publication in the British Journal of Dermatology and the British Journal of Plastic Surgery.

Delayed skin test reactivity to Propionibacterium acnes correlates with severity of inflammation in acne vulgaris.

Propionibacterium acnes is the bacterial species most consistently isolated from acne lesions. Intradermal injection of a heat-killed suspension of P. acnes induced a delayed erythematous and often popular inflammatory reaction which was maximal after 24-48 h. This response was dose related and was probably mediated at least partly by immune mechanisms. In eighty-one subjects with acne of varying severity of the acne. These findings indicate that the host response to P. acnes is an important variable in determining the severity of inflammatory acne.

Multiprofessional guidelines for the management of the patient with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

These guidelines for management of primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma present evidence-based guidance for treatment, with identification of the strength of evidence available at the time of preparation of the guidelines, and a brief overview of epidemiological aspects, diagnosis and investigation.

Survey of surgical management of malignant melanoma in Canada: optimal margins of excision and lymph-node dissection.

The feasibility of clinical trials involving the surgical management of primary melanoma was assessed through a survey of Canadian surgeons who treat this disease. Surgeons were polled as to their current practice regarding node dissection and margins of resection of the primary lesion. Their interest in randomized trials addressing these practices was also assessed. Two hundred and forty questionnaires were distributed to 20 centres across Canada. The total number of patients with melanoma seen annually by the 131 surgeons who responded was 790 - of the approximately 1000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in Canada each year. Of responding surgeons, 63% currently perform wide excision (taking 3 to 5 cm of normal tissue) for lesions less than 1.5 mm in depth and 37% perform limited excision (including 1 to 2 cm of normal tissue). Of all surgeons responding, 76% were interested in a randomized trial comparing wide and limited excision in these superficial lesions. Currently, 90% of surgeons perform wide excision of lesions 1.5 mm or more in depth and 10% perform limited excision. Fifty-nine percent were interested in a randomized trial comparing wide and limited excision in these deeper lesions. Twenty-four percent of surgeons routinely perform prophylactic node dissection on all patients with lesions 1.5 mm or more in depth; 66% wait until there is clinical suspicion of nodal metastases and 9% follow some other policy. The results of this survey indicate that (a) surgical management is varied, (b) radical surgery remains common practice and (c) surgeons are interested in randomized trials that will determine optimal treatment.

Generalised tissue abnormality of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in psoriasis.

Microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity and inducibility were measured in jejunal mucosa, liver, and lesion-free epidermis of patients with psoriasis. In all three tissues AHH activity and inducibility were less than in controls. This demonstration of a generalised enzymatic abnormality in the tissues of patients with psoriasis is in keeping with the suggestion that it may be close to the underlying genetic defect.

Prognostic value of skin testing with dinitrochlorobenzene in patients with head and neck cancer.

Of 107 patients with cancer of the head and neck region in whom sensitization with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was attempted at the time the patient first presented, 57 became positive while 50 remained negative. These two groups were similar with respect to age, sex, involved sites and extent of tumour at presentation, but the mortality in the DNCB-negative group (38%) was twice as high as that in the DNCB-positive group (17.5%). Since both groups were treated in a similar fashion and have been followed-up for equal periods of time, the difference in mortality suggests that DNCB skin testing is of prognostic value in patients with cancer in the head and neck region.

Cell cycle, DNA damage and heat shock regulate suc22+ expression in fission yeast.

The suc22+ gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe encodes the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Two transcripts that hybridise to suc22+ have previously been described: a constitutive transcript of 1.5 kb, and a transcript of approximately 1.9 kb that is induced when DNA replication is blocked by hydroxyurea. In this paper we show that both transcripts derive from the suc22+ gene, are polyadenylated, and have transcription initiation sites separated by approximately 550 nucleotides. The absence of translation initiation codons and predicted intron splice sites within this 550 nucleotide region suggests strongly that both transcripts encode the same protein. Under normal growth conditions, the larger suc22+ transcript is present at a very low level. This low level expression is periodic during the cell cycle, showing a pattern similar to that of other genes under regulation by MCB elements with a maximum in G1/S phase. Consistent with this, there are MCB elements upstream of the initiation site of the transcript. This pattern of expression contrasts with the continuous expression, at a much higher level, of the smaller suc22+ transcript. The larger suc22+ transcript is induced by exposure of cells to 4-nitroquinoline oxide (4-NQO),a UV-mimetic agent that causes DNA damage. The transcriptional response to 4-NQO is observed in cells previously arrested in G2 by a cdc2ts mutation, demonstrating that induction can occur outside S phase. We show that the rad1+ gene, part of the mitotic checkpoint, is required for induction of the large transcript. Exposure of cells to heat shock also induces the suc22+ large transcript: a consensus heat shock element has been identified upstream of the large transcript start site.